Welcome to my Railroad page. I have loved trains since I was a kid and have taken
many photos of trains, rolling stock and railroad structures. I will add as many
features as time permits, but if you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions do not
hesitate to write!

One of my favorite shortlines is the Hartwell RR. This line was originally all of
eleven miles long and ran from the Southern Railway in Bowersville, Georgia through
Airline and terminated in Hartwell, Georgia. Today it has leased trackage from the
Southern Railway and runs the line between Toccoa and Elberton. The railroad
crossing graphic on this page was made from one of the original crossing signs in
Hartwell. The railroad had a scenic steam excursion for a short time, but, as I was
told, the untimely death of one of the owners led to financial difficulties. This
story is from a railfan's perspective and is not meant to be in any chronological or
historical order. Comments and corrections are appreciated.
The photos I have cover the time period of 1984 to the present. I had the pleasure
of riding the tourist excursion train in 1985 and was able to capture this photo on a
subsequent visit. This trestle over Lake Hartwell is one of the highlights of the
trip and everyone always looks forward to it. One of the more modern locomotives isnumber 3016, a former D&RG
EF423-D02 class that was acquired in 1995. I took this photo at the Airline
maintenance shops in the winter of 1997. The maintenance area is a railfan's
delight. Lots of sidings and maintenance equipment that keep the shutterbug's lens
clicking.
If you want to model an entire railroad, the Hartwell Railroad would be ideal. It
begins with a wye at the Southern Railway in Bowersville, and winds though farm pastures, along old roads, and
through the backyards of local residences, through the maintenance and storage area at
Airline, past several sidings at a lumberyard, a gas company and a cement plant.
Then it's over the trestle on Lake Hartwell and on into the business section of
Hartwell.

All content including images, unless otherwise noted, is
the exclusive property of Richard Weisser and may not be used without express
permission of Richard Weisser. Please email for correct text to credit the artist.
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